---

Following the deposition of Prime Minister Kaval after the events of "Black week*", His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, may good health be upon him, has, in keeping with Article 4 of the 11th Amendment to the Ikhani Constitution, appointed Jishek Viras, Deputy for Ishkot, as interim Prime Minister until the ALP has selected a new Prime Minister from among it's ranks to complete the former Prime Minister's term. Due to his leadership during the crisis, it is expected that Interim Prime Minister Viras will be selected to complete the term, after which it is possible he may seek reelection.

There was great confusion in the moments directly after gunfire was heard erupting from the inside of the Kasori palace, accompanied by great apprehension as people awaited news of what had happened. It was almost as if, at least for Jishek, this moment had been dragged out into an hour before, over the radio onboard one of the tanks that had taken position nearby, a voice came through.
            "Akat 3, Esko EWIA, repeat, EWIA." The voice said, though somewhat garbled. While this brought some elation to the crowd, Jishek was still hesitant himself, after all, they couldn't be sure until another confirmed what he had said. Yet again, the wait seemed to take forever, yet it would prove to be worth it, ultimately.
            "Akat 1, confirmed visual, target designate 'Esko' EWIA... We got him." Another voice said, seemingly confirming what the former had said. "Moving for exfil asap." The voice said before going silent. For the first time in nearly a week, Jishek felt relieved. There wouldn't need to be an intervention by a foreign power or an ally of Ikhan, nor would it fall once more into oppression at the hands of an insane tyrant. Now, instead, was the time for a new start. And soon enough, his own words would reach... millions, at least, across the world. It would, however, be at least a few minutes before then. Give the crowd enough time to calm down and all.

---

A few minutes later--

It was finally time, time to state the intentions of the government going forwards in the absence of a clear leader, beyond the ceremonial role that the Emperor performed, at least. They weren't about to trade one dictator from their ranks just to replace him with one who, though maybe benevolent, would still hold absolute power. No. He had to assure not only his people, but those of surrounding countries, that though Ikhan now was without a Prime Minister, the new government would be seen as a direct continuation of the pre-coup one. And as members of the media gathered around the area, Jishek, ever the one for a bit of flair, climbed atop one of the tanks so as to give his speech.
            "My fellow citizens, today, we have proven to ourselves many things, as well as to those abroad." Jishek began. "Even now, as my voice reaches out beyond our fatherland, we rejoice in knowing that this task of ours is finally at it's end. But though we have eliminated a threat to our nation, know that this is only the beginning. The actions taken by Ashot Kaval have exposed in Ikhan a corruption that stretches deep into the very roots of our homeland. It has shown that power has, since the signing of the constitution, slowly but surely been taken into the hands of a select few, rather than be divided among the branches as the writers intended..." He paused, hesitating as he looked at his notes for a brief moment. "...But this crisis has proven more than just the flaws of our country. No. It has also shown to us that among the people, the dream of our ancestors for a truly free Ikhan, one founded in the ideals of unity, justice, and liberty, is certainly alive and well among the youth of our brave land." He continued, now looking at the crowd, taking in all the cheering he saw and heard. "Now, however, is not a time to seek retribution against his attempted regime, but a time to rebuild. We are a divided people, but we have today shown that when we work together, anything can be achieved. Today, we have shown that, though the road ahead will be difficult, freedom shall not perish from the world so long as we fight to preserve it!" He concluded, and so it was done. The future awaits.

And so, the New Ikhan is born.

It was yet another early morning in Ikan, eerily silent as a curfew had fallen over the city. Despite the frequent messages from the Emperor encouraging people to maintain faith that this was but a passing moment in the history of Ikhan, most didn't know what else to do. Jishek wasn't one of those people. Despite having been prevented from fulfilling his work in the national assembly after the Esat blocked entry, he was thankfully not arrested, something to do with the respect afforded to him for his lineage— his grandfather and great great-grandfather had both been significantly influential politicians in their days— and yet, it seemed as though maybe the "Prime Minister" were toying with him. Though he hadn't been able to fulfill his work within the National Assembly, he hadn't been idle. He had, in fact, made repeated visits to both the Imperial Palace and to military bases across the region, seeking to coordinate a response to this new threat. And besides that, he had also been delivering speeches across the city, seeking to maintain the spirits of the people in trying times such as these. At first light, today, he was going to make his move. He was going to stage a protest. Demonstrate to the traitor that he had lost the mandate of the people. And perhaps, Kani willing, it would be enough. Otherwise, it would provide the perfect cover for the Military to storm the building and remove him by force.

7:14--
            "Time to go." He said to himself as he stood outside of the door. What were the odds, he thought, that he'd get arrested? Probably at least 50/50, once the protest went into full swing. It didn't matter to him if he were arrested, beaten, tortured, and killed. After all, so long as good men die, liberty would always triumph, eventually. He found himself reflecting on the words of his ancestor, written over a century ago. "A government not supported by its subjects will fall into chaos, but a legislature which represents its subjects and changes according to their needs will live on. A state cannot last when its people are divided against it." He wrote, and those words rung true especially today. Change would have to come, but only the right way. Not this way. Never this way. And so, he began; soon enough, he would be accompanied by other, likeminded individuals from the National Assembly, both the Chamber of Deputies and Senate alike. All in all, it was a rather motley band, but it'd have to do, at least for starters.

7:30--
So far, the group had made it about a quarter of the way to the Kasori palace, now the official residence of the Prime Minister, which included the illegitimate one. Granted, this was because they were taking a longer route, in the hopes of gathering further attention from the public. And so far, it was working. The crowd had nearly doubled in number so far, and it was only inevitable that it was going to continue to grow. Shouts of "Down with the traitors!" among others could be heard erupting from it, as well as other spontaneous protests elsewhere in the city, if Jishek were to hazard a guess.
            "Didn't think I'd wind up imitating my Grandfather..." Jishek said, though it was barely heard as they continued to move forwards.
            "The whole situation's unprecedented." Another person in the crowd said in response, to which Jishek didn't reply, not yet. "Hope they can get the media on this. Let it be remembered for the rest of history."

7:46--
By Jishek's reckoning, the group was about half-way there by now. At least 2.7 kilometers to go. Even though it weren't important now, he couldn't help but think about how this would be a great walking route, once this mess was all over and the crisis was at it's end. By this point, however, as fighter-jets screamed overhead, it really began to set in for him— They were about to make history, though not necessarily in a good way. While the military was theoretically tasked with the maintenance of the democratic process in the event that something were to go awry, it had, thankfully, never been required. But this was different. Even in '52, they didn't have to be called in, though it wouldn't've happened anyways due to their conflicting loyalties at the time. If all went according to plan, which it almost certainly wouldn't, they wouldn't be needed. And so, into the lion's den they marched.

8:02--
They were getting close now. The Esat agents had, after all, begun to appear with greater frequency than before. What was curious, however, was that many hadn't even been ordered to do so; rather, they seemed to be doing this in spite of their orders. If even his supposed loyalists were turning, then the only ones left would be the most loyal, and therefore, the most dangerous. This, of course, led to some people to have doubts within the crowd, though it wouldn't be enough to stop this.
            "Odd that they're joining us—"
            "You think they'll actually help, or just arrest us?"
            "I dunno, just keep moving. They can't get all of us."
            "Oh, I guess you're right. I just can't be getting arrested again."

8:18--
The palace loomed ahead of them, tall and mighty, it was a major landmark in Ikhan that dated back over a millennium by this point. And of course, ahead of them, heavily-armed members of the Esat were waiting, fully decked out in riot gear and forming a barricade in front of the palace. Things looked like they were about to get bloody, after all, these men were supplemented by members of the Prime Minister's personal guard as well, who were particularly dangerous as they carried firearms themselves. It was, in that moment, that he thought that everything was lost. Then, he got a text that simply read "Look south, cavalry's on it's way."

Of course, that only meant one thing, as that was the phrase decided in a prior meeting to indicate when support would arrive. Soon enough, a great rumbling could be heard as the military finally arrived, complete with a column of tanks and enough firepower to easily overwhelm any opposition that would be in the area. And yet, they would not fire, after all, rules of engagement still applied even now. It was now down to who would fire the first shot, at least, it would if the "Prime Minister" didn't surrender. Not long afterwards, a helicopter could be heard flying overhead, heading towards the palace grounds, soon to be followed by a brief exchange of gunfire. Time seemed to freeze. What exactly had happened?

Had something gone wrong, or perhaps it was finally over?

---

A series of three beeps resound across the Empire of Ikhan, lasting nearly a minute long before ceasing, after which a statement prepared by the Esat is read out for all to hear.

"Remain calm. The Emperor endures. Ikhan lives. The Arashin Empire shall endure. There is much work yet to be done." the message said, after which the programming returned to the past day's broadcast of patriotic music on repeat.

As of now, Ikhan has gone silent, even the communications of the average citizens with those beyond the nation currently restricted. It is as though, for the time being, it didn't even exist. Now, all that remains is to wait and see what will come of this situation.

Arkan Kataran sat in his office a few kilometers outside of Ikan, focused on paperwork even late into the night. As cold wind blew against the window as he continued, and then, he recieved a call; The number alone sent chills down his spine, as if they were calling him, then something was afoot.
            "...This is Marshal Kataran." He said, awaiting a response. Every millisecond that passed felt stretched into hour as he waited, nervous about what was going on.
            "Marshal, there is something I would like to report" The voice said on the other end, immediately recognizable to just about anyone in Ikhan at this point. It was, after all, that of the Emperor himself.
            "And what would that be, your Lordship?" The Marshal asked, on one hand intrigued and on the other concerned greatly.
            "Regarding Prime Minister Kaval, he... He came to visit earlier in an attempt to get my support for something." The Emperor paused; though only barely audible, a sigh could be heard. "It is, based on what he said, my understanding that he wishes to use military force to secure his position."
            "That's... concerning, sir. What exactly would you like me to do about it?" Arkan asked him, starting to realize what may be necessary.
            "Nothing yet, Arkan. Just ignore any orders he gives you and stand by. If he refuses to give up the position in the event that the National Assembly formally removes him, then, and only then are you to take action. Am I clear?" The Emperor said in a calm, if frustrated, tone. This was, after all, not something he wanted to have done, and it was entirely unprecedented before this point.
            "Yes sir. I will do as you ask." Arkan said, and then the line went dead.

With all the pieces now in motion, the great game can only end one way.

Impatiently, Ashot paced around his office, listening attentively as the Chamber of Deputies continued voting on what would potentially be his own removal. Each word, each number, each vote... They all were the same in his mind. After all, they were, by all means, attempting to overturn a legitimate election just because of, though he didn't admit it himself, his own failures to negotiate the establishment of a governing coalition going forwards. No, it wasn't his fault, that would be too easy. Rather, in his eyes, it was sabotage by other members of his party, an effort to seize power for themselves. And he knew he had to do something about it.
            "Traitors, all of them!" He shouted, staring at the television, upon which a live feed of the meeting was in view. "They sabotage my attempts to unify the country, and now they are trying to take power for themselves!" He ranted; of course, there was no real response as anyone else in the room was too afraid to say a word. "Maybe Ikir was right, trusting in the system to do what is needed has only brought failure and humiliation! But..." He hesitated, looking around the room. Everyone else was stunned by what he had just said, after all, saying that the long-disgraced ex-dictator is taboo even to this day. "...What am I supposed to do? I can't just refuse to acknowledge their decision. If... If I could somehow get the backing of the Emperor... I could have a large part of the military on my side. After that, all that I need to do is dismiss the National Assembly and put the city under martial law..."  He thought, though he spoke aloud in order to fully process what he was saying.

And so, he continued for a few more minutes, all the while the votes continued. After a while, he left the building, heading for the Imperial Palace. He couldn't afford to lose power after all, not after all the work that'd already been done at least.

And so, yet another piece was set into motion.

It was warm afternoon in Ikan, just a few minutes past three o'clock, and this particular session in the National Diet seemed as though it would never end. For the last few weeks, the government had effectively ground to a halt as its governing coalition began to collapse. It was obvious, despite his previous administration's own success back in '08, that the Prime Minister's days were numbered. Honestly, Jishek couldn't think of any other deputy that didn't think that, based on the general demeanor of the chamber. It was only a matter of time before one of them proposed moving forwards with some action against the new administration, the only question that remained was who would take that first step.
            "You should do something, Jishek. It's only right, y'know?" Aren, his colleague and personal friend of six years, muttered as he looked at his fellow deputy. "I know you've no love for the Prime Minster, given his lack of support for serious action against Tamora and other slave-states."
            "How he got the position, I have no idea. His previous administration was a disgrace." Jishek sighed as he looked around the room. Clearly, he wasn't the only one having such a conversation at this point, after all, many shared his feelings despite the popular support for him at the time. "But... I suppose that's populism for you. Even a monster can win in this system, if he plays it right." He noted as he listened to one deputy after another speak. It almost seemed as though it never end, as though no real progress would actually be made. In the meantime, he wrote down exactly what he would say when he actually got the chance to take the floor. Whatever he did, he could rest assured, knowing he would have the support of much of the Chamber when he did it. What he wasn't certain of, however, were where the coming power-plays within his own party that would follow would lead.

After nearly thirty minutes had passed, Jishek would finally rise from his seat, looking around the room once more. There was an almost eerie silence that had fallen over them, as though many of them were anticipating exactly what he was about to say, as well as what it would entail.
            "Mr. Speaker, it has become clear that the current situation can and will not be maintained. While we sit here arguing over petty squabbles such as who should be on the Prime Minister's cabinet, we have people in Kitenai still in need of relief following the disaster back in '18. We have people out on the streets demanding reforms that should've been implemented decades ago. I have little doubt you'll hear them when this session is adjourned later today, as we all have for the last six days." Jishek began, looking down at his notes one last time. "If Prime Minister Kaval cannot, however, negotiate with the other parties in his coalition, then what reason do we have to expect the same of his administration? How long will it be, if we are able to deal with this present crisis, that we will have to go through this again? A few weeks? Maybe three months at best? Need I remind you that his previous administration has showed us that we will not be able to accomplish what we need to do?" He sighed, almost hesitant about what he was about to say. After all, he was about to make history, and even he didn't know where this path would lead. "No. We cannot suffer this administration to continue as it is now. To quote my great great-Grandfather, the venerable Esik Viras, 'A divided government with a leader who does not represent the nation's best interests at its head cannot, for the good of the people, be permitted to exist.' These words have, after all these years, rung true. It is for that reason that I, with a heavy heart, formally request that a motion of no-confidence be voted upon by this Assembly." He finished, looking around the room one last time. While there was some applause, more people remained silent, almost stunned that such a motion was even being requested, even though most every one of them knew that it was warranted. With that, he sat down and awaited the results.

And so, the great game begins.

Soon enough, the Ikhani delegation would arrive in Dunwich. This was not, in fact, the first time that Arkan had been here, having formerly attended a meeting in the area on behalf of his father while he was incapacitated earlier that year. Quite frankly, he was... pleased to have the opportunity to return, though he would've preferred that the Prime Minister attend on his behalf. That said, it mattered little now, even if "tradition" were being... ignored to an extent nowadays.

Nonetheless, once he had left the vehicle, Arkan would be sure to thank his host for allowing him to visit, after which he would spend his time speaking with any delegates who might've already arrived.

---

Regarding the ongoing situation in the Northern Sea

[size=11.5pt]It has come to my attention, in recent times, that tensions between the Republic of Kopsje and the Kingdom of Clysperis. While normally, I would not personally involve myself in such matters, I see that such wishes simply cannot be maintained. I would like to start by saying that, while I find the Kopsjense policy regarding the public practice of religion to be exceedingly objectional, in this particular situation, I will not hold it against them.

I will not, however, pretend that I hold any love for the present Clysperi government either. "Pharaoh" Akasha has proven herself to be unpredictable in many cases, after all, and her continued support for Tamora has certainly made this worse than need-be. That, alongside their own escalation to the conflict, must be recognized if peace is to be achieved.

Regardless of this, it is important to note that, though it is my belief that the Clysperi national known as "Hafsah" should've been deported following her assault conviction, it falls on the Clysperi government's shoulders to take the blame for, wittingly or not, escalating the conflict further than necessary. An already tense situation such as this requires restraint and a willingness to negotiate, after all, and not for the saber-rattling of one side or the other. Therefore, it is my deepest wish to see that both powers pursue a diplomatic solution to this ongoing crisis before blood need be shed.

I will, however, say that it is my belief that Kopsje, though misguided in how it initially handled the situation, was certainly within it's rights to arrest Hahfsa for violating the laws of the nation she found herself in. I will not stand for any further violations of one nation's territorial integrity by another, let alone a democracy by an authoritarian state such as Clysperis. It is, nonetheless, my hope that a peaceful resolution may be found.
[/size]—Press office of the Empire of Ikhan

The Akhan A72, codenamed "Dragon" by the Esat, roared across the Great Northern Ocean, having refueled mid-flight while over Cotf Aranye. Aboard were the Emperor of Ikhan, Arkan VI, and his family as well as the family of the late Aren Vakai and Free Army veteran Erel Katsan, who were to attend the memorial day ceremony in Achkaerin that was to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the war. Soon enough, it would be arriving in the capital of Achkaerin, though that was yet to come.
            "How long did you say it was until we reach Valtheim?" Arkan asked one of the attendants aboard as he looked out of the window; This was to be quite the important occasion, after all.
            "About 25 minutes, your Lordship." The attendant said with a short bow before returning to their duties.
            "Twenty-five minutes..." Arkan sighed, after all, this was to be the first time that he had actually visited the country proper. Sure, he had been to it's Ardian holdings in the past, back before he became Emperor (having frequently sailed in the Rokkenjiman sea when he was younger), but this was completely different. "...Time to see how our northern compatriots will greet us." He muttered; it was obvious he was nervous, after all, since his enthronement he hadn't made any foreign trips yet.
            "You'll be fine. If dad could handle it, then you can too." Misko, his sister, said as she took a seat across from him. Under the previous previous administration, she had been assigned to the Embassy in Rokkenjima, though she was granted leave for this occasion.
            "That's easy for you to say." Esik nodded, though he didn't fully agree. "After all, you're the diplomat of the family. This is your job."
            "You didn't do too bad yourself, back when you went to Rokkenjima." Misko replied, following this up with "Just relax. Be yourself."
            "You're right... You're right." Esik said with a sigh; he may not be ready, but perhaps that could prove to be a good thing. He just needed to show that he was like everyone else. That he wasn't so distant from the lives of those around him.

Not too much later, the aircraft arrived in Valtheim, and with it the journey had reached it's end. After a few minutes, wherein the onboard detachment of the Imperial Guard and the Esat had moved to secure the aircraft as was standard procedure, the occupants would disembark. The Emperor would, once that was done, seek out Renee in order to thank her for the invitation.
            "Your Majesty." He bowed in respect. "Thank you for the... invitation. I apologize for what may seem like unnecessary security precautions on the part of my guards, but we simply cannot be too careful these days, I hope you understand." He said in a similarly respectful tone; he hadn't wished to inconvenience his host too much. "In any case, I must say that it is truly a shame we haven't been present here in many, many years."

A spokesperson for the Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization (INARO) has confirmed that the Ryū spacecraft will return to regular missions starting as early as January 2021 and no later than March. The spacecraft, which has been grounded since February 2020, was found to have a serious flaw in it's RCS system in the last flight. This comes after plans to update a more modern version of the spacecraft, the Ryū M, was planned to begin missions in its stead. The Ryū M, which will be the variant that will fly starting next year, features upgrades to its communications and navigation systems alongside adjustments to the RCS system in light of these issues.
It is confirmed that Nikranauts Daisuke Uegaki, Masako Saruta, Karl Adler, and Naoji Busujima will be the first crew of the new spacecraft, which is aimed to launch on the 21st of January.

"On the first question, I wish to state that we believe that a vessel's right of passage through our waters are guaranteed by the Fair Seas Concordat, to which we are party and comply with. As for the stopping of vessels under suspicion of criminal activity or human rights abuses, such protocols are also only to be used in keeping with the provisions of the Fair Seas Concordat, specifically article 110-1 which allows a warship which encounters a foreign vessel on the high seas, other than a ship afforded to complete immunity under articles 95 and 96, is not justified in boarding unless there is reasonable ground for suspecting that the ship is involved in piracy, the slave trade, is engaged in unauthorized broadcasting and the flag State of the warship has jurisdiction under article 109, is without nationality, or though flying a foreign flag or refusing to show its flag, the ship is, in reality, of the same nationality as the warship. In cases where the vessel fulfills these required conditions, a boat under the command of an officer may be dispatched to the suspected ship. Should suspicion remain after checking the documents, it may proceed to a further examination onboard the ship, which must be carried out with all possible consideration. Otherwise, the ship will be compensated for any loss or damage that may have been sustained."

"As for your second question, it is the position of the Empire of Ikhan that we are diametrically opposed to any and all human rights abuses undertaken by any government, regardless of who undertakes it. As you may or may not know, we have watched the restrictions put into place on the freedom of religion by foreign powers such as Kopsje and Fleur with horror. After all, for most of our history, we have believed that the right to follow whatever faith one wishes should be protected and permitted to be practiced in the open, provided it does not break the laws of the land. As such, we are prepared to levy economic sanctions against said nations, though military force is seen as an option of last resort only."

"As for your final question, we recognize that in the past, we have proven isolationist, especially during the reign of His Lordship, the Emperor-Emeritus, but nonetheless we believe that the Armed Forces of Ikhan should be kept in a state of readiness should war break out. Those resources would, should Ikhan join the CSTO, be available in operations undertaken by the organization. We are more than ready to coordinate with the CSTO in your most noble of pursuits."

To His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Azurewind,

 As you no doubt know, we recognize the importance to commemorate the end of the so-called "Great War", as well as to honor the sacrifices made by brave men and women on all sides of the conflict. It would, of course, be the utmost honor to attend this ceremony, which we admit we regrettably have not been able to be present for in recent years. I will, of course, attend the ceremony on the Eleventh, for which you have my gratitude for this invitation. If it would be permitted, however, alongside my family, I would invite a few guests to the ceremony. Regardless, I pray for good health upon you and your house.

Sincerely,

To her Celestial Highness, Queen Atalanta II, eternal health and prosperity be upon you.

It is my pleasure to have received your request, which has henceforth been approved by my cabinet. It has been a shame that, for the last eight years, both our nations isolated themselves from the world, but it is my hope and the hope of many within my administration that we can bring this to an end. Ishen willing, these efforts will hopefully be a success.

I will personally attend the event alongside the cabinet's pick for the office of Ambassador to Cassiopeia, Arkan Shirai. Likewise, we anticipate the continuation of services by your own embassy as it were eight years ago. If, however, you see fit to use a new structure, please inform us so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Regards,
Ashot Ekhral, Prime Minister of Ikhan